SchoolScoresBirchwood High School
Academy · Secondary, ages 11 to 18 · Mixed · Sixth form
Part of BIRCHWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Parsonage Lane, Bishop's Stortford, CM23 5BD
01279 655936 · School website · Map and directions
Ofsted inspection
At the inspection that started on 21 January 2025, Ofsted graded each area separately. It stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
This inspection used Ofsted's older format with four grades: Outstanding, Good, Requires improvement and Inadequate. Newer inspections use report cards. What changed.
| Area | Grade |
|---|---|
| Quality of education | Good |
| Behaviour and attitudes | Good |
| Personal development | Good |
| Leadership and management | Good |
| Sixth form | Good |
| Safeguarding | Effective |
Read the full Ofsted reports for this school
Source: Ofsted state-funded schools inspection data.
What parents say
275 parents answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025.
Bishop's Stortford comparisons use the 4 of its 6 state secondary schools with comparable results. The other 2 have no published Parent View results (Ofsted only publishes a survey once at least 10 parents answer) or used Ofsted's newer questions, which we don't compare with the older ones.
| Statement | This school | Bishop's Stortford | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| My child is happy at this school 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 60% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 86% | 90% | 89% |
| My child feels safe at this school 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 56% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 88% | 93% | 90% |
| The school makes sure pupils are well behaved 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 19% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 60% | 82% | 84% |
| Bullying was dealt with quickly and effectivelyOf 87 parents whose child had been bullied 1st highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 71% of 1,665 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 57% | 51% | 51% |
| Concerns were dealt with properlyOf 222 parents who had raised a concern 3rd highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 57% of 1,736 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73% | 74% | 76% |
| My child with SEND gets the support they needOf 71 parents of children with SEND 1st highest of 3 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 75% of 789 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 73% | 67% | 68% |
| I would recommend this school to another parent 4th highest of 4 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 41% of 1,763 state secondary schools with comparable Parent View results in England. | 76%said yes | 85% | 84% |
Parents choose whether to take part, so these answers may not represent all families (Ofsted puts the response rate at 19%). Figures are the share who agree or strongly agree. England figures are all parents answering the same questions over the same period, for state-funded schools. Bishop's Stortford figures pool parents at the Bishop's Stortford schools compared, from each school's latest survey, so survey dates differ between schools. The scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) agreement, and the dot marks this school among state schools of the same phase that used the same survey questions. The third it falls in is coloured: green for the top third, amber the middle, red the bottom. This survey used Ofsted's previous Parent View questions, which changed in November 2025. Source: Ofsted Parent View management information.
Results
GCSEs (key stage 4, age 16), 2024/25
243 pupils in this year group.
42% — 12 points below the Hertfordshire average, and 4 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 5 or above in English and maths | 42% | 53% | 45% |
| Attainment 8 scoreAverage of each pupil's grades across 8 GCSE-level subjects, with English and maths counted twice. Around 50 means grade 5s on average. | 46.1 | 50.6 | 46.1 |
| EBacc average point scoreAverage points across the English Baccalaureate subjects: English, maths, sciences, a language and history or geography. | 4.0 | 4.6 | 4.1 |
Progress 8 isn't shown. DfE didn't publish it for 2024/25 because this year group's key stage 2 tests in 2020 were cancelled, and older progress scores aren't comparable.
Source: DfE key stage 4 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After Year 11
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
230 pupils in this year group.
93% — 2 points below the Hertfordshire average, and about the same as the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workPupils recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing Year 11. | 93% | 95% | 92% |
| School sixth form | 45% | 58% | 34% |
| Sixth form college | 1% | 2% | 13% |
| Further education college | 38% | 31% | 37% |
| Apprenticeship | 4% | 2% | 3% |
| Work | 3% | 2% | 3% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 95% | 93% |
Source: DfE key stage 4 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
A levels (16 to 18), 2024/25
79 A level students in this year group.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average A level grade | C+ | B- | B- |
| A level exams graded A* or A | 15% | 29% | 26% |
| A level exams graded A* to B | 44% | 58% | 53% |
| Average points per A level entryAn A* is 60 points, an A is 50, a B is 40, and so on down to 10 for an E. | 32.1 | 36.8 | 35 |
A level subjects, 2024/25
23 subjects, 177 exams. England figures are for state-funded schools and colleges.
| Subject | Exams | A* | A* or A | England A* or A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sociology | 29 | 3% | 7% | 20% |
| Mathematics | 18 | 6% | 39% | 40% |
| Computer Studies / Computing | 13 | 0% | 31% | 24% |
| Physics | 12 | 8% | 17% | 31% |
| Psychology | 12 | 0% | 25% | 19% |
| Economics | 11 | 0% | 18% | 26% |
| Geography | 9 | 0% | 22% | 23% |
| Design and Technology (Product Design) | 7 | 0% | 0% | 15% |
| English Literature | 7 | 0% | 0% | 23% |
| Film Studies | 7 | 0% | 0% | 17% |
| History | 7 | 0% | 14% | 23% |
| Biology | 6 | 0% | 0% | 27% |
Also taken, with too few exams for DfE to publish grades: Drama and Theatre Studies, Government and Politics, English Language, German, Music, Religious Studies, Art and Design (Fine Art), Chemistry, French, Mathematics (Further), Turkish.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 qualification and subject data, 2024/25.
Source: DfE 16 to 18 performance tables, 2024/25. England figures are for state-funded schools.
After sixth form
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
105 students in this year group.
93% — 11 points above the Hertfordshire average, and 14 points above the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or workStudents recorded in sustained education, apprenticeship or employment in the year after finishing 16 to 18 study. | 93% | 82% | 79% |
| Apprenticeship | 10% | 6% | 7% |
| Work | 33% | 28% | 28% |
Stayed in education, an apprenticeship or work, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 94% | 93% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 destination measures, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Going on to university
Where pupils went next. DfE measures this for pupils who finished in an earlier year, so these figures describe a previous year group.
117 students in this year group.
52% — 11 points below the Hertfordshire average, and 8 points below the England average.
| Measure | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Went on to a degree or other higher education | 52% | 63% | 60% |
| Went to one of the most selective third of universitiesDfE's grouping of universities by the typical entry grades of their students. | 14% | 24% | 19% |
Went on to a degree or other higher education, over time
| 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
|---|---|
| 59% | 52% |
Source: DfE 16 to 18 progression to higher education or training, 2024/25 performance tables. England figures are for state-funded schools.
Admissions
Apply through the council where you live, even if the school is in a different council area. This school is in Hertfordshire. The national closing date for secondary applications is 31 October, and offers are sent on 1 March.
How hard is it to get in?
For the September 2026 intake there were fewer first-choice applications than places.
| Places offered | 174 |
|---|---|
| Families who put it first | 96 |
| Of those, offered a place | 96 (100%) |
| Families who listed it at all | 606 |
First-choice applications per place: 2024: 0.8 · 2025: 0.6 · 2026: 0.6
This isn't your chance of getting a place. That depends on the school's admissions rules (for example siblings, distance or faith) and where you live. Source: DfE applications and offers, September 2026 intake.
Pupils, staff and SEND
| Pupils | This school | Hertfordshire | England |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eligible for free school meals in the last 6 years 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 31% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 20.1% | 17.1%* | 28.9% |
| With an education, health and care plan 3rd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 59% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 3.3% | 3.0%* | 3.1% |
| Receiving special educational needs support 3rd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 20% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 9.6% | 13.2%* | 13.4% |
| English as an additional language 3rd highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 51% of 3,448 state secondary schools in England. | 12.6% | 15.4%* | 19.2% |
| Overall absence (sessions missed) 6th lowest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Lower than 21% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 10.2% | 7.8%* | 8.4% |
| Persistently absent (missed 10% or more) 6th lowest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Lower than 20% of 3,411 state secondary schools in England. | 29.9% | 21.1%* | 23.4% |
| Suspensions per 100 pupils 6th lowest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Lower than 22% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 31.6 | 13.4 | 21.2 |
| Pupils suspended at least once 6th lowest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Lower than 27% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 10.0% | 5.6% | 7.3% |
| Pupils permanently excluded2 pupils | 0.14% | 0.12% | 0.23% |
| Pupils per teacher 5th highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 23% of 3,442 state secondary schools in England. | 15.4 | 16.5 | 16.7 |
| Pupils per adult (teachers and support staff) 5th highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 52% of 3,445 state secondary schools in England. | 11.9 | 12.0 | 11.8 |
| Teachers who left during the year 1st highest of 6 state secondary schools in Bishop's Stortford. Higher than 63% of 3,430 state secondary schools in England. | 15.7% | 12.7%* | 14.2%* |
Comparisons are with secondary schools. Scales run from lower (left) to higher (right) figures. For absence and suspensions lower is better, so their scales run green to red; blue scales describe the school's pupils and staff and aren't good or bad. * Calculated by SchoolScores from the council's or England's schools, weighted by pupils (or teachers, for turnover); other figures are published by DfE. Sources: DfE school census 2024/25; DfE pupil absence 2024/25; DfE suspensions and permanent exclusions 2024/25; DfE school workforce census 2025/26; DfE teacher turnover 2024/25.
Nearby secondary schools
- Hockerill Anglo-European College 0.5 miles · Ofsted: Good (2022) · 73% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Hertfordshire and Essex High School and Science College 0.7 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2023) · 76% grade 5+ English and maths
- St Mary's Catholic School 1.2 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2024) · 66% grade 5+ English and maths
- Avanti Grange Secondary School 1.5 miles · Ofsted: No overall grade (2025)
- Bishop's Stortford College 1.5 miles · Independent, inspected by ISI · 53% A*/A at A level
- Forest Hall School 1.7 miles · Ofsted: Report card 2026: 2 strong, 2 expected, 2 needs attention · 35% grade 5+ English and maths
- The Bishop's Stortford High School 2.1 miles · Ofsted: Outstanding (2017), confirmed 2023 · 69% grade 5+ English and maths
Straight-line distance. Distance isn't the same as a catchment area.
Questions parents ask
What is Birchwood High School's Ofsted rating?
At its inspection in 21 January 2025, Ofsted graded each area separately; it stopped giving an overall grade in September 2024.
How did Birchwood High School do in its GCSEs?
In 2024/25, 42% of pupils grade 5 or above in English and maths, 4 points below the England average of 45%.
Would parents recommend Birchwood High School?
76% of the 275 parents who answered Ofsted's Parent View survey between 3 September 2024 and 1 September 2025 said they would recommend Birchwood High School to another parent. Parents choose whether to respond, so this may not represent all families.
Is Birchwood High School oversubscribed?
For the September 2026 intake, 96 families put Birchwood High School as their first choice for 174 places: fewer first-choice applications than places. 96 of those families were offered a place. Whether you get a place depends on the school's admissions rules and where you live.
Sources
- School details: Get Information about Schools (DfE), 26 September 2026. URN 137637.
- Inspections: Ofsted management information, data to 31 August 2026.
- Parent views: Ofsted Parent View, 3 September 2024 to 1 September 2025.
- Results: DfE school performance tables, GCSEs 2024/25, After Year 11 2024/25, A levels 2024/25, After sixth form 2024/25, Going on to university 2024/25.
Spotted a mistake? Report it and we'll check it against the source.
Page updated 26 September 2026.